What to Do If the ETC Device Falls Off?

[Lisa]

ETC needs to be reinstalled and reactivated after falling off. The installation process for the ETC device is as follows: Upon receiving the device, first check if the ETC card and the electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU. A red light will briefly turn on, and the OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning properly. Clean the front windshield, ensuring the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then peel off the adhesive backing of the OBU and stick it to the installation position. Press firmly for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front facing the driver and the back facing the windshield. The chip should be inserted into the OBU device. Method to activate the ETC device: Insert and remove the ETC card twice in succession until the electronic tag screen displays "Bluetooth On." If the screen shows "Tag Invalid" when inserting and removing twice without the electronic tag attached, this is normal and does not affect activation. Alternatively, press the button on the top of the electronic tag to enable Bluetooth. Turn on your phone's Bluetooth and open the corresponding mobile app (usually, a download QR code is provided on the electronic tag). Navigate to the device activation interface. Click "Connect Device" and wait patiently for the "Connection Successful" prompt. Once connected, upload a photo of the vehicle's front to complete activation.

[CarlosRose]

When I first got my driver's license, I also experienced my ETC device falling off. I was in a hurry to get on the highway at the time, and it almost caused a major issue. If you find your device has fallen off, don’t panic—first, deactivate it immediately to avoid mistakenly entering an ETC lane, which could lead to incorrect toll charges or fines. I quickly contacted the bank customer service where I applied for the ETC, and they advised me to first report the device as lost, then visit a branch to get a replacement. The whole process took about three days and cost around 50 yuan. If the card had fallen off too, I would’ve had to replace everything, but luckily only the device was lost. When reinstalling, make sure to choose a good spot and stick it firmly using the original adhesive to prevent it from falling off again due to vibrations. Now, I regularly check it—especially during car washes—to ensure the adhesive is still strong, and I avoid exposing it to extreme heat to keep it clean. In short, handle this issue quickly; delaying could affect driving safety and might cost you more money.

[McAnna]

Having driven for over 20 years, I've seen ETC devices fall off multiple times. It's not a big deal but needs timely handling. First, deactivate the device and avoid ETC lanes—switch to manual toll lanes to prevent issues. Contact your ETC service bank directly; they'll guide you through the replacement process, which may involve a small fee for a new device. If the device isn't damaged, it might be reattached, but if it falls off, replacement is often necessary—just ensure the new installation is secure. During routine car maintenance, check if the ETC is firmly attached, especially on older cars where adhesive tends to degrade. For safety, don’t casually toss a fallen device inside the car to prevent it from rolling and damaging things. Prevention is better than fixing—install the ETC at the center of the windshield, avoiding heating wires. Simple measures can save hassle and money—don’t lose big over small neglect.

[DelJordan]

ETC devices often fall off due to adhesive failure or improper installation. After inspection, do not reuse. Handling steps: Remove the card to prevent misuse, contact the bank for a replacement, usually receiving the new device within three days. The mounting surface must be clean and dust-free to ensure a secure installation. For prevention, regularly check the adhesive points and device condition, as vibration-prone environments can accelerate detachment. It does not affect daily driving, but manual lanes must be used when entering highways.